Academic Catalogs

Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Certificate of Achievement

Banner Code: 1_CN_UMA

Control Number: 38209

Not Financial Aid Eligible


The program curriculum allows students to explore the entirety of unmanned aircraft systems. Courses highlight specific characteristics of different aircraft, how they are built, and the fundamentals of control and propulsion systems. Students will explore how unmanned aircraft systems integrate into the larger aviation systems, including safety policies, regulations, and automation procedures.

The program can be tailored to meet the needs of individual students without any prior unmanned aircraft systems operating experience. Upon completion of the program students will be prepared to become commercial FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft Systems operators, technicians, and programmers, or photo/videographers in various industry sectors in a broad range of applications.

Program Outcome

Students will develop the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for completion of UAS training and successful completion of federally administered knowledge examinations for remote pilot certification.

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

The Certificate of Achievement is a state-approved career program that requires a minimum of eight units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Achievement are not automatically awarded.  A petition must be filed in Enrollment Services or online at the beginning of the semester in which the student will be completing their final requirements.  The petitioning periods are listed in the Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

Course Title Units
Required Courses
APT A131Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems3
APT A160Introduction to UAS Automation4
ELEC A100Electronic Problem Solving3
FILM A228Photogrammetry and Volumetric Image Capture3
Restricted Electives
Select six units from the following:6
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Lab
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Advanced Lab
D.C. Circuits
Embedded Control Systems
Film Production 1
Drone Imaging for Immersive Media
Introduction to Professional Photography
Total Units19

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
APT A131 Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems 3
FILM A228 Photogrammetry and Volumetric Image Capture 3
CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVE (See Requirements) 3
 Units9
Semester 2
APT A160 Introduction to UAS Automation 4
ELEC A100 Electronic Problem Solving 3
CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVE (See Requirements) 3
 Units10
 Total Units19